1) Do I need to apply for an F-1 student visa?
If your main purpose of coming to the U.S. is to study, then
you should obtain an F-1 student visa prior to entering. To get an I-20 from
our school in order to apply for the visa, you should enroll in at least 8
weeks of our full-time Intensive Language Program (20 hours per week) at one of
our three main school locations: Midtown, Manhattan; Uptown, Manhattan; or
Jackson Heights, Queens.
If you are visiting as a tourist, you are also welcome to
engage in part-time, short-term study that is incidental to your main purpose
(just “for fun”). We recommend our Semi-Intensive Program (16 hours per week,
Mon - Thurs) for this purpose, which is below full-time hours.
A U.S. visa can only be obtained at a U.S. Embassy or
Consulate abroad. If you are unsure about which visa you should obtain, you can
contact your local U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
2) How long does it
take to get the I-20, and when should I apply?
Once we have all of your documents and Initial Fees payment,
we will issue your I-20 within 2-3 business days, then it will take about 3
more days for it to arrive if sent by express mail. We recommend applying at
least 2 months before you wish to start, in order to give yourself enough time.
3) What documents do
I need to submit to get an I-20?
You will need to submit copies of your:
Signed Application for Enrollment or online application
Passport biographical page, valid at least 6 months into the
future
Proof of financial support (recent bank statement) and
Affidavit of Support form, if sponsored
$180 Schools Fees + $95 Optional Express Mail fee for I-20
($275 total)
These documents can be scanned and sent by email to your
NYLC advisor, who can create a quote for you for the cost.
4) How long is the
program/ F-1 visa?
Our minimum enrollment is 8 weeks (1 session), and it takes
about 1.5 years to complete all of our levels from beginner to advanced. We
also have “Post-Advanced” levels including TOEFL Prep and Business English.
F-1 students can stay for “Duration of Status”, which means
you can stay in the U.S. as long as you have a valid I-20 and are maintaining
your full-time F-1 status. The length of your I-20 depends on how many weeks
you enroll, and how much proof of financial support you provide, but can be up
to 1 year. You can extend the I-20 1 more year for up to 2 years total study,
as long as you can benefit from more English training.
The length of the visa is up to the U.S. Embassy or
Consulate where you apply, and could be up to 5 years. Your visa however is
only for travel (to enter the U.S.) and does not determine how long you can
stay inside the U.S.
